Ice tray



Febl l, 1947- M. G. SHOEMAKER ICE TRAY Filed Nov. 13, 1943 U 1 m m a a. 1m Ki [7106:1151- m fia? QSAOPmer Mat a 1i, 1947 i 2 415 4 lire 1;

rose m Malcolm G; Shoemaken'fAblngton, Pa., assignor. by mesne assignments, to Philco Corporation, Philadelphia, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Application November 13,-;943, Serial No. 510,16:

The present invention relates to ice trays and grids therefor and more particularly to an improved grid construction for cooperation with ice trays of the type commonly used in domestic'refrigerators for freezlng water into ice cubes. The invention is also concerned with a novel method 'of automatically freeing a grid member from frozen ice bodies or cubes by utilizing the expansion forces of water freezing into ice masses separate and distinct from said frozen ice bodies or cubes. In using ordinaryice trays of the type mentioned, it is found diflicult not only to remove the ice cubes and grid from the tray, but also to remove the ice cubes from the grid itself, and the principal object of the invention, therefore, is to provide an ice tray and grid which is constructed and arranged so that the ice cubes molded thereby may readily be removed for use.

It isalso one ofthe more important objects of 15 Claims. (01. 62-1085) Referring now mor particularly to the drawing, reference numeral l. designates a tray member which, as more clearly shown in Figure 1, preferably has an elongated rectangular configuration and is provided with side walls 2, end

walls 3 and bottom t.v In accordance with the usual custom, the tray i may be, and preferably is, formed from a single sheet of metal and, in accordance with this invention, the metal chosen is one having, relatively high heat conductive properties.

The grid member of the present invention is designated generally by reference numeral 5 and preferably is made in one piece, being molded from suitable material having a lower heat conductive capacity than the tray 8, for example,

of plastic such as that commonly known in the the invention'to provide an ice tray and grid therefor, the gridbeing adapted for automatic separation'from the ice cubes when completely frozen so that the grid may be withdrawn easily from the tray and the ice cubes therein, whereupon the cubes become readily accessible for their removal from the tray. Another equally important object of'the invention resides in the provision of an ice tray grid which is constructed to be releasedirom the ice' a quantity of watersubsequentlyjo the freezing of said ice bodies,

Other objects and advantages of-the invention will becom apparent to those"skilled in the art from the following detailed description based upon the accompanying drawing, in which:

Figure l is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment ofthe invention;

e 2 is a longitudinal section on an enlarged scale, taken substantially on liner-2, Fig- Figure 3 is a transverse section looking in the general direction of arrows 3-3, Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a top'plan view showing another embodiment of the invention; and 4 Figure 5 is a somewhat diagrammatical view 11- histrating the operation of the device.

I trade as Vinylite.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, the grid member 5 comprises a plurality of relativelyspaced and paralleling trough-like portions 6 of generally 'v-shaped cross-section. These trough-like portions 6 span the distance between the side walls 2 of the tray I and are'of a depth to reach the bottom t thereof, when said grid 6 i positioned within said-tray member as shown. The grid troughlike' portions 6, moreover, are interconnected by rib sections I formed integrally with the slanting sides of said portions 6 and disposed substantially atright angles to and centrally of the length thereof. Similar rib sections 8 extend from the outermost trough-like sections t to the end walls 8 of the tray i. From the foregoing it will be understood that the portions 6 and the rib sections 1 and t of the grid 5, andxthe side walls 2, the end walls 3 and the bottom A of the tray l cooperate to define separated or isolated spaces,each capable of receiving a quantity of water to be frozen into individual ice cubes, whereas the V-shaped trough-like portions 6 similar- 1y constitute separated spaces, each capable of receiving a quantity of water and maintaining it separate from the water which forms the ice cubes, for freezing into ice masses separate and distinct from said ice cubes.

It is particularly to be noted that the side walls of the V-shaped trough-like portions 6 gradually increase in thickness towards the closed ends 9 thereof and that said closed ends 9 are formed by a relatively larger mass of material. Also it is to be noted that suitable projections, such as projections iii, are formed upon the inner surfaces of the V-shaped trough-like portions 6 at a point in close proximity to the open ends there- 3 of, and 'the provision of these projections ill, as well as the particular formation of the walls and closed ends of the v-shaped portions 6, cooperate to effect operation of the device in the manner hereinafter set forth.

Figure 4 of the drawing illustrates a modified construction of the grid 5 wherein said grid comprises hollow V-shaped trough-like portions 6a intendedto constitute the separations cooperatin! with each other and with the side and end walls and the bottom of the tray I to form respectively separated areas, each capable of receivlng a quantity of water to be frozen into individual ice cubes. The V-shaped trough-like portions to are relatively arranged to provide a plurality of longitudinally and transversally intercommunicating passages adapted to retain and maintain a quantity of water, separate from the water intended to form the ice cubes, for freezing into ice masses separate and distinct from said ice cubes. Each branch of the V-shaped troughlike portions constituting a longitudinal or a transverse passage is provided with diametrically opposed projections such as projections Illa for the purpose hereinafter described.

In use, the grid I is positioned in the tray i and the ice molding spaces within the tray as well as the spaces within the V-shaped troughlike portions 8 or to, as the case may be. are filled with water so that the projections It or Ida of the grid are disposed below the level of the water therein. The filled tray and grid members are then placed in the freezing compartment usually provided in the conventional household mechanical refrigerator.

As the tray I is of high heatconductive metal, the water in the ice cube molding spaces freezes first and, since the grid member 5 has a lower heat conductive capacity, it will be understood that the freezing of the water in the V-shaped trough-like portions 6 or to is effectively retarded so that the ice cubes freeze solid throughout before the water in'said V-shaped portions is frozen to any substantial degree.

After the ice cubes have been frozen solid, the water in the V-shaped portions 6 or 8a commences and continues to freeze. In this connection, it is pointed out that because of the increasing thickness of the walls of the trough-like portions 8 or to towards the closed ends 9, 8a thereof and because of the relatively heavy mass of material at said ends, the water in these portions freezes from the top down. For this reason, freezing of the water adjacent the lower ends of the trough-like portions 6 or Be is retarded with the result that expansion due to the ultimate freezing action of the water at the lower ends of said portions is directed laterally towards the side walls of said portions as indicated by the arrows in Figure 5, since the freezing action is slowest and therefore the ice walls are thinnest at these points. 5 1

By reason of the slant or angularity of the walls of the trough-like portions 8 and 6a and because the ice masses within saidportions are locked therein by means of the projections i and Illa, all or at least the greater part of the' laterally directed expansion forces (cf. Fig. causes the grid member to be displaced upwardly relative to the tray l and ice cubes therein thus breaking the bond between said ice cubes and the outer wall surfaces of the grid. As a result, the grid member may be lifted easily from the tray member, thereby leaving the ice cubes within the latter exposed for ready access and removal.

4 From the foregoing description, it preciated that the present invention provides a simple and yet effective construction and ar- 7 rangement whereby a grid member may be automatically forced from the ice cubes molded within-an ice tray during the freezing action of a body of water retained in the grid member and maintained therein separate from the water which forms the ice cubes.

Whereas I have shown and described the use of accentuated projections ill and its for the purpose of locking the ice masses with the V- shaped portions 6 and ta, it will be understood that the same effect may be obtained by rough ening the inner surfaces of said portions as for instance by means of serrations or corrugations. Also, it is to be understood that other modifications in the specific structures herein shown and described may be made within the scope of the claims without departing from the invention.

.1 claim:

1. In a device of the character described, an ice tray member, a grid member cooperabie with said tray member to define therein separate ice tray member, a grid member cooperable-with said tray member to define therein separate g spaces to receive water to be frozen into ice bodies, said grid member having portions providing spaces therein to receive water to be frozen into ice masses separate and distinct from said ice bodies, the tray member having heat conductive properties higher than the grid member so that the water in the former freezes solid prior to'the'water in the latter, and means on said grid portions for locking said ice masses therein. 3. In a device of the character described, an ice tray member, a grid member cooperable with said tray member to define therein separate Spaces to receive water-to be frozen into ice bodies, said grid member having generally V- shaped trough-like portions providing spaces therein to receive water to be frozen into ice masses separate and distinct from said ice bodies, and means formed on the inner surfaces of said trough-like grid portions for locking said ice masses therein. v 4. In a device of the character described, an ice tray member, a, grid member cooperable with said tray member to define therein separate, spaces to receive water to be frozen into ice bodies, said grid member having generally V-shaped trough-like portions providing spaces therein to receive water to be frozen into ice masses separate, and distinct from said ice bodies, the tray member having heat conductive properties higher than the grid member'so that the water in the former freezes solid prior to the water in the latter,'and mean formed on the inner surfaces of said trough-like grid portions for locking said ice masses therein. 5. In a device of the character described, an ice tray memben-s grid member cooperable with said tray member to define therein separate.

white at ing of that part of the water in the grid at said closed end sections is retarded, and means disposed at said open end sections of the V-shaped trough-like grid portions for locking said ice masses therein.

, 6. In a device of the character described, 'an ice tray member, a grid member cooperable with said tray member to define therein separate spaces to receive water to be frozen intoice'bodies, said grid member having generally V-shaped trough-like portions providing spaces therein to receive water to be frozen into icemasses separate and distinct from said ice bodies, the tray member having heat conductive properties higher than 'those of the grid member so that the water in the former freezes solid prior to the water in the latter and the closed end sections of said V-shaped grid portions having lesser heat conductive properties than the open end sections thereof to retard freezing of that part of the wa er at' said closed end sections, and means disposed at said open end sections of the V-shaped grid portions for locking said ice masses therein.

'7. Ina device of the character described, an ice tray member, a grid member cooperable with said tray member to define therein separate spaces to receive water to be frozen into ice bodies, said grid member having generally V-shaped trough-like portion providing spaces therein to receive water to be frozen into ice masses separate and distinct from said ice bodies, the walls of each V-shaped trough-like portion gradually increasing in thickness from the open end toward the closed endthereof to reduce the heat conductive properties at said closed end below that at said open end and thereby retard freezing of the water at saidclosed end, and means disposed within said V-shaped portions in close proximity to the open end thereof for locking said ice masses therein.

8. In a device of the character described, an

ice tray member havingside, end and bottom walls, .a grid member having a plurality of relatively spaced parallel trough portions of generally V-shaped cross-section of a length and depth substantially equal to the width and depth of said tray member, rib sections extending between the adjoining trough portions and interconnecting said portions, said trough portions. and rib sections of the grid memberpand the walls 'of said tray member cooperating to define spaces within the latter to receive water tobe frozen into ice bodies and said trough portions defining spaces therein to receive water to be frozen into ice masses separate and distinct from said ice bodies, the tray member having heat conductive properties higher than those of the grid member so that water in the former freezes solid prior to solid freezing of the water in the latter, and the closed end sections of said trough portions having lesser heat conductive properties than the open end secwalls to form separated spaces in the tray to receive water to be frozen into individual ice tive properties higher than those of the arm tions thereof to thereby retard freezing of that part of the water at said closed and sections, andv means disposed at said open end sections of the V-shaped trough portions for locking said ice masses therein.

9. In a device of the character described, a tray member having side, end and bottom walls, a grid member having v-shaped trough portions constituting partitions cooperating with said tray member so that the water in the former freezes solid prior to the solid freezing of the water in the latter and the closed end section of said V-shaped trough portions having lesser heat conductive properties than the open end sections thereof to retard freezing of that part of the water at said closed end sections, and means disposed at said opened end sections of the V-shaped trough portions. for locking said ice masses therein.

1-0. An ice tray grid comprising generally V- shaped troughporticnslach adapted to receive and maintain a quantity of water therein to be frozen into ice masses, theclosed end sections of said V-shaped trough portions having lesser heat conductive properties than the open end sections thereof to retard freezing of that part of the water at said closed end sections, and means d sposed internally of the open end sections of said said he .V-shaped" -troughqiortione for locking masses therein. n

11. An-ice tray grid comprising generally vshaped trough.portions each adapted to receive and maintain a quantity of water thereinto be frozen into ice masses, the walls of each I-shaped trough portions ally' increasing in thickness from the open e toward the closed end thereof to reduce the heatyonductive properties 'atsaid closed and below that at said'open end and thereby retard freezing of that part of water at said closed endmnd means disposed within said portions in close proximity to said opened end for locking said ice masses therein.

12. A grid member havinga plurality of relatively spaced parallel trough portions of generally V-shaped cross-section, rib sections extending'between the adjoining trough portions. and interconnecting said portions, said V-shaped trough thereof to retard freezing of that part of the water at said closed. end sections, and means disposedinternally of said open end sections of the 'V- I shaped trough portions for locking said ice masses therein. n

13. A grid member. having v-shaped trough portions constituting partitions for the formagon' of individual ice cubes, said V-shaped troughportions bein relatively arranged to provide longix tudinal d transverse intercommunicating pas sages adapted to retain a quantity of water to be frozen into ice masses separate and distinct from said ice cubes, the closed end sections of said-V-shaped trough portions having lesser heat conductive properties than the open and sections thereof to retard freezing of that part of the water at said .blosed end sections, and .means disposed at said open end sections of the V- shaped trough portions for locking said ice m 14. The method or freeing a frozen ice bodies. which comprises trapping-a quantity of water within portions of the grid membenfroni,

mmeee member and maintaining said quantity of water separate from said ice bodies. freezing said quantity of water into ice masses after said ice bodies are frozen, and confining said ice messes during freezing thereof to direct the expansion iorcee resulting from the freezing of said quantity of water to tree the gridiron said ice bodies.

3 15. The method of freeing a. grid member from irozen ice bodies, which comprises trapping e quantity of water within portions 01 the grid member and maintaining said quantity oi water separate irom said ice bodies, ireezing the top portion of said quantity of water and locking the ice mass thus formed, and then continuing the freezing oi the remaining portion oi the quantity of water thereby directing the expansion forces m Number g v resulting from the freezing thereof to free the rid from said ice bodies.

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The following references are of record in the flie of this patent 'l-'. New STATES PATENTS I Name Date 1,932,689 Buchanan et a1. Oct. 31, 1933 2,148,977 Crosley Jan. 17, 1936 2,181,580 Fitmhnmons Nov. 28, 1939 1,976,147 Smith Oct. 9, 1934 Cole Jan. 14, 1936' 

